The White House is preparing to extend a temporary waiver of the Jones Act, a century-old maritime law, to ease rising gasoline prices, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. The current waiver, which expires on August 16, is set to be renewed in the coming days, following two prior extensions.
Key developments:
- Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated during a briefing that an extension is “quite likely to happen,” citing the waiver’s role in facilitating the transport of 50 million barrels of fuel across 195 voyages since late July.
- The administration has engaged in discussions with maritime industry representatives and lawmakers to refine the waiver’s scope while maintaining flexibility for fuel supply chains.
The Jones Act mandates that cargo transported between U.S. ports must be carried on vessels built in the U.S., owned by American companies, and crewed by American workers. The waiver temporarily suspends these requirements to increase shipping capacity and reduce fuel costs.
Industry and political responses
The maritime industry has opposed the waiver’s extension, warning that it could undermine American maritime jobs. Jennifer Carpenter, CEO of the American Waterways Operators, argued that the White House is searching for “levers to bring down gas prices” as the midterm elections approach. The industry contends that prolonged waivers could weaken domestic shipping infrastructure.
In contrast, the administration has framed the waiver as a necessary measure to address supply bottlenecks. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers previously stated that there are no plans to restrict oil and gas exports, though industry executives have expressed concerns following President Trump’s criticisms of oil companies for “making too much money.”
The current waiver, which has already set a record as the longest suspension of the Jones Act, has drawn attention amid broader debates over energy policy and fuel affordability. The administration has not confirmed whether additional measures, such as export restrictions, are under consideration, though industry outreach to White House officials has intensified.
Background and implications
The Jones Act waiver was first issued in March to address disruptions in fuel transport, with the initial extension pushing its expiration to August 16. The waiver’s renewal is expected to face scrutiny from Republican lawmakers and industry groups, who argue that temporary measures could have long-term consequences for domestic shipping.
Energy analysts note that the waiver’s impact on gas prices remains a subject of debate, with some arguing that it provides immediate relief while others caution against over-reliance on short-term fixes. The administration has not disclosed whether the waiver will be further extended beyond August 16.